Writer’s Bingo

Whether you’re waiting for an agent to offer representation, an editor to accept your short story or simply for the snow to melt, killing time can feel just that: vicious. Like the weather, there is little about this industry we as writers can control. We put words on the page or screen. We try again, with different words in a better order. We fling our darlings out into the cruel world for critique, rejection, or approval. And then, always, we wait. That’s all we can do, right?

I’m sure you’ve heard well-intentioned advice from other writers on how to best manage the anxiety of waiting. The recommendation I hear most often is to return to the work, dive into the next project. And most of the time, I whole-heartedly agree with this approach. Often the only thing powerful enough to take me out of a self-doubt spiral is my own imagination. Escaping into the worlds we create is not only therapeutic but productive. But what about those times we feel paralyzed by imposter syndrome or simply too exhausted—physically, emotionally, psychologically—to yank on the old bootstraps?

Instead of forcing yourself to “get back to work!” try returning to what you love most about writing. For me, it’s the creative abandon. The play.

Here’s a game inspired by something author Rebecca Makkai said at last year’s AWP conference. She advised keeping a list of writing goals, big and small, to track progress. Any time she feels discouraged or unsatisfied, she returns to the list as a reminder of how far she’s already come. To me, lists feel more productive than playful, so I’ve adapted the exercise into a game. A writer’s Bingo of sorts. Whether you cut and paste my card or create your own, remember to use fun, bright colors to cross off all the squares you’ve already achieved. When you get five in a row (Bingo!), take a moment to do something nice for yourself, even if it’s just a walk outside, a snuggle from your pet or a piece of chocolate. And share your victories! I might have stickers . . .     

Rachel Dempsey